David Hiltbrand

Inquirer TV Critic

And now for something completely unexpected: ABC has announced that Seth MacFalane will host The 85th Annual Academy Awards telecast live on Sunday February 24.

Sure, put the famously crude animator and funnyman in charge of a 3-hour + live broadcast in a room full of the celebrities that he is known for skewering. What could possibly go wrong?

Said MacFarlane,”It's truly an overwhelming privilege to be asked to host the Oscars. My thoughts upon hearing the news were, one, I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set forth by my predecessors; and two, I hope they don't find out I hosted the Charlie Sheen roast.”

Poll

Is Seth MacFarlane a good choice to host the Oscars?

Yes: Anyone's better than Anne Hathaway and James Franco

No: I don't get his sense of humor

Undecided

You may be thinking: what does the creator of (and primary voice talent behind) Family Guy have to do with Hollywood? Well, you’re forgetting Ted, his summer comedy that teamed Mark Wahlberg with a horny talking teddy bear.

So his qualifications are practically equivalent to those of David Niven.

This should be….um, interesting?

There is a chance MacFarlane's approach may be a tad irreverent. Here's a clip of Peter recalling his own Oscar experience -- ballot stuffing.